reverse gear problem or common for this motor

[Job]

I have a question concerning a gear issue on my 1967 johnson 33 hp super seahorse. When the prop blade is in line with the exhaust housing straight up and down, is it normal to not be able to move the shift lever into reverse? After moving the prop by hand to about the 1 or 2 oclock position it shifts easily but won't shift when prop is in the afore mentioned position. Is this common or is there a possible serious gear issue looming? Thanks for the response.

 

[QC]

Re: reverse gear problem or common for this motor

Let's try this in the Johnson OB section.

 

[5150abf]

Re: reverse gear problem or common for this motor

Yes that is normal, the clutch dog have dogs or lobes on them, either 2 or 3 and the lobes need to be aligned with the corresponding detents on the gear so you often have to turn the prop to get it to go into gear.

 

[steelespike]

Re: reverse gear problem or common for this motor

Perfectly normal for it to be difficult or impossible to shift if not running.
the Forward and reverse gears each have 2 large cogs and the clutch dog has 2 cogs
in order to shift the cogs must line up properly.

 

[Job]

Re: reverse gear problem or common for this motor

Great thanks for the information. I tried to find it in other posts concerning gear problems so as not to be a pest but couldn't find it. Hey one less problem is a good thing. Thanks again.